Socio Demographic and Occupational Risk Factors as Determinants of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Women in Unorganized Sectors

Abstract

Introduction: Informal sectors provide employment opportunities to women to a large extent. . Musculoskeletal 
discomforts (MSD) have been reported in majority of the informal sectors which needs specific attention. The 
present study aims to identify the socio demographic, individual and occupational risk factors that contribute to 
the MSDs. 
Methods: A cross sectional survey of 693 women employed in three different units namely dyeing, fish processing 
and food processing units was carried out. A pretested interview schedule was used to collect data and details 
of MSD were gathered adapting Nordic questionnaire. Data was analyzed using chi square, ANOVA and binary 
logistic regression to identify the confounding factors contribution to MSDs. 
Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.46±13.20 years. The mean work experience was 11±10.96 years. 
Bivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that work experience had higher Odds (2.3; CI =1.1- 4.4) for 
neck discomfort. Low back pain for women above 45 years was likely to occur 5 times more when compared to 
women below 25 years of age (OR=5.1; CI=1.73 to 15.58). Work experience had higher odds (3.39; CI=1.5-7.2) for 
discomforts in legs. The sector in which the women were employed contributed to higher level of MSD. Work 
hours exceeding 8 hours also was one of the contributing factors for MSD.
Conclusion: The study highlights the impact of age, work hours, years of work on prevalence of MSD among 
women. Ergonomic workspaces can minimize the rate of MSDs among women in informal sectors